12 Day Horse Riding Adventure along the Last Wild River of Europe in Vjosa River, Albania
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This trail combines a challenging riding experience in different landscapes with many possibilities of swimming in rivers, river hiking, canyon exploring, camping, sharing time and accommodation with local people, visiting rare cultural monuments, meeting monuments of Albania’s communist dictatorship past. Local traditional food, famous Permeti Raki, and wine tasting, livestock rituals and city nightlife will make this trail very diverse in experiences.
Key Information
- Rider Weight Limit: 176 pounds / 90 kilograms
- Horse Breed: Local breed mix of Tarpan and Arab Horses
Highlights
- 9 days of riding
- Ride on reliable and strong horses
- Approximate daily riding time: 3.5 - 6 hours
- Explore medieval villages, towers, churches, and caravan pathways
- Ride through the forest, mountains, valleys, cliffs, and water streams
- Experience sheep milking process and traditional cookings
- 11 nights accommodation in tents or local family's houses
- Daily meals and drinks will be provided
Skill level
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (US$ 105 per person)
Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias Int'l Airport) (US$ 58 per person)
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in local or family guesthouses as well as camping every night. It may be possible to pay for a single supplement on night 1 and night 11 of the trail, but riders must be prepared to share accommodation with the same gender on the other nights.
Program
Trail Overview
This exhilarating trail offers a captivating riding experience through diverse landscapes, presenting ample opportunities for swimming in rivers, river hiking, canyon exploration, camping, and immersing in the local culture. Along the way, riders will have chances to visit rare cultural monuments and encounter remnants of Albania's communist dictatorship. Traditional local cuisine can be enjoyed, along with the famous Permeti Raki and wine, while witnessing livestock rituals and even experiencing city nightlife, making this trail an incredibly diverse and enriching adventure.
The highlight of this trail is the encounter with the majestic Vjosa River, known as the last wild river in Europe. Riding alongside its untamed, free-flowing waters and camping in the riverbed offers a breathtaking experience. The Vjosa, also referred to as "the blue heart" of Europe, spans over 270 kilometers and boasts stunning canyons, braided river sections, islands, oxbows, and meandering stretches. It serves as a complex habitat for spawning fish and migratory birds.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival at Tirana airport is ideally in the morning, but no later than 14:30. This allows time for the transfer and an opportunity to explore the town of Gjirokastra. The drive to Gjirokastra takes approximately 3 hours. Guests will settle into a hotel, which is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the historic centre of Gjirokastra.
Before dinner, there will be time for a stroll around the historical town, including the old Bazaar, and visits to notable attractions such as Enver Hoxha's house, Gjirokastra Castle, the church of the Old Bazaar, and Skenduli House, offering insights into traditional Gjirokastra life. A traditional dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, where guides will provide information about the trail, address any inquiries, offer advice, and share useful details.
Transfer Day
Day 2:
After breakfast at the hotel and horse allocation, embark on your ride through the countryside towards the medieval village of Karjan. This village holds a traditional charm and once served as a rural stop for passing caravans. Admire its small churches and the old Roman bridge. The route traverses a rural landscape, passing by small houses, gardens, and traditional farming activities. Expect a mix of hilly landscapes, valleys, small water streams, and cliffs.
Along the way, catch glimpses of the "Tree of Life" river, the important water basin in the area associated with ancient pagan beliefs. Encounter the ruins of the Castle of Santa Triada, reconstructed by Ali Pasha in 1809-1810 as a strategic point for controlling caravan routes. The castle ruins were later utilized for military purposes during the socialist era.
Pause for lunch in Shen Toder village, and after another 1.5 hours of riding, reach Karjan village where you'll be hosted by a local family. Experience the local cuisine, prepared from their own garden produce, and indulge in raki and wine. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses.
Total Riding Hours: 4.5
Day 3
After breakfast, you will start your ride through the picturesque Drino's Valley. The first stops will be Andon Poci village and later Hundkuq village, where the ride becomes more challenging as you enter a small forest. Emerging from the forest, you will reach the historic village of Labova of Zhapa, renowned for its magnificent church and grand merchant houses, although most of them now lie in ruins. Labova is also the birthplace of Vangjel Zhapa, a famous businessman and philanthropist who lived around 200 years ago.
You will enjoy a visit inside the unique medieval church, known for its distinctive style and pagan elements in the wall paintings. Afterward, you will start riding up the mountain, marveling at the rare vegetation and endemic plants along the way. The path will lead you to the valley of Cajupi, where you will encounter a cattle of 1,000 sheep. This scenic spot will be your camping place for the night, offering the chance to taste the famous Brati spring water, witness a small medieval protection tower called "karakoll," and experience sheep milking and cooking with the shepherds.
Please note that depending on the day's temperatures, the guides may opt for a shorter path to Cajupi Valley and plan an afternoon ride in the surrounding mountains. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses once again.
Total Riding Hours: 5
Day 4:
After enjoying a delicious traditional breakfast, your trail will follow the medieval Caravan pathway, passing by the infamous bandit hideout known as Hija e Mallkuar or The Cursed Shadow. This pathway was once used by medieval thieves to ambush caravans traveling through Zagoria.
Continuing the ride, you will traverse the most important horse pathway of the 17th and 18th centuries, which connected the major commercial centers of Southern Albania. Along the way, you will be treated to the breathtaking view of the natural monument, the Rock of Zhej.
Prepare for a challenging downhill route that will lead to the ruins of a medieval stone bridge, where you will enjoy a lunch break and a refreshing swim in the nearby river. In the afternoon, you will make your way to the Church of the Monastery of Nivan, constructed in 1702, and cross a symbolic bridge over the Zagoria River to conclude the day's ride in Nderan, one of the region's significant villages. You will spend the evening and night with a welcoming local family.
You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses.
Total Riding Hours: 3.5
Day 5:
Today's ride will begin with a return to Hoshteva and a mountain climb to reach the Gjurmemushka mountain pass. Once reaching the summit, the ride will mostly be downhill, passing through Maleshova village to visit its charming church and the ruins of the Limari antic castle. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed near a tranquil water stream, where there will be time to rest under the shade of the trees.
During the afternoon ride, stunning views of the Vjosa River from the mountaintop will be a rewarding sight. The overnight stay will be in a comfortable village guest house in Grabova, a remote and isolated area known for its warm hospitality. Here, you will experience traditional mountain cooking and savour the famous petanik, a special local pie. Grabova is renowned for its Raki production and delectable spoon desserts.
In the evening, dinner will be enjoyed on the guest house's terrace, overlooking the magnificent flow of the Vjosa River just 200 meters away. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses once again.
Total Riding Hours: 6-7
Day 6:
After a satisfying breakfast, you will embark on a downhill ride to reach the Vjosa River. The rest of the day's ride will take place along the riverbank, offering breathtaking and diverse landscapes. This leg of the journey will be particularly enjoyable, with ample opportunities for exhilarating gallops. A swimming break will be taken near Piskova village, taking advantage of the dry part of the riverbed.
For lunch, delicious food prepared by a small restaurant in Permet will be conveniently transported to the riverside stop. If interested, you can also indulge in some fishing. The entire afternoon can be spent swimming and relaxing before riding the final 1.5 hours to reach the small town of Permet.
After settling the horses at the accommodation, the night will be spent in a nearby hotel, just a short 10-minute walk from the town center. Dinner will be served at a well-known traditional restaurant.
Total Riding Hours: 3
Day 7:
This day is a free riding day, allowing you to choose your own adventure. A visit to the Benja thermal waters in the Langarica canyons is suggested, a mere 30 minutes away from Permet. There, you can explore the canyons, swim, and for the more daring, engage in river hiking to discover the "Pigeons Cave" perched on a rock along the Langarica River.
Lunch has been arranged at a restaurant near the canyons, and the return to Permet town will be in the late afternoon. Dinner will be served at a small restaurant close to the hotel. Alternatively, if you prefer to rest and relax, you are free to create your own plan for the day.
Total Riding Hours: None
Day 8:
Prepare for one of the longest and most challenging days of the journey. Due to branches and foliage, it is advisable to wear long sleeves. The ride will be mostly uphill, climbing Dhembel Mountain. The panoramic view from the top will leave you awestruck. A picnic lunch will be carried in the saddles since the car cannot reach the final destination until later in the day.
The rendezvous point will be in Hoshteva Zagoria, where logistic arrangements await. Camping will be beneath the trees near Hoshteva’s church, and as a group, dinner will be prepared and enjoyed under the starlit sky. This camping experience will be truly enchanting. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses.
Total Riding Hours: 6
Day 9:
Get ready for an exhilarating equestrian adventure this morning. After a fresh country-style breakfast, you will ride through a mountain valley that is perfect for gallops.
Along the way, the route will pass small remote farms, awe-inspiring cliffs, and numerous historical paths off the beaten tourist trail. Traveling through the Pogoni region will feel like a journey through time, passing ancient ruins and mythical natural wonders. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed near the famous stone bridge of Hllomo or Kacarello’s, an isolated construction from the merchant period accessible only by horse.
In the afternoon, the ride will reach the heart of the Pogon region, the mountain village of Polican, inhabited by a Greek minority. You will spend the night with a Greek minority family, who will accompany you to explore remarkable cult monuments from the medieval period. In the evening, you will indulge in local gastronomic delights, including a variety of honey flavors, as this village is renowned for its mountain honey production, offering up to 10 different seasonal tastes. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses once again.
Total Riding Hours: 6
Day 11:
On this day, you will embark on a shorter riding adventure. In the morning, the ride will pass through rolling hills and the picturesque Drino’s Valley, crossing a few water streams. Afterward, a steep hill will be conquered to reach Antigonea National Park, where there will be a stop for a visit. Antigonea, built by King Pyrrhus in 295 BC and named after his first wife Antigona, showcases ancient ruins steeped in history.
After the break, the ride will continue for another hour to reach the stables, where you will experience the joy of releasing the horses and bidding them farewell. A picnic lunch prepared by the last hosting family awaits in the village of Asim Zeneli, a short five-minute drive from the stable. Later, there will be a return to Gjirokastra to stay at the same hotel.
For the farewell dinner, the group will gather at a small restaurant in the old Bazaar. If desired, the evening can conclude with a drink at a popular bar.
Total Riding Hours: 3.5
Day 12:
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred back to Tirana Airport, marking the end of the equestrian adventure.
Weight limit: 90 kg
The weight limit for participants is 90 kg, with considerations for height-to-weight proportions. Proper weight distribution is essential for the safety and comfort of the horses, participants, and equipment. Therefore, we reserve the right to refuse participation to individuals whose weight-to-height proportions significantly deviate, ensuring the well-being and enjoyment of everyone involved.
Trail difficulty:
- At least level 3 riding outdoors (out of 5 levels) – Intermediate rider.
Location
Vjosa “the blue heart” of Europe along its entire course of over 270 kilometers is untamed, free-flowing and characterized by beautiful canyons, braided river sections, islands, oxbows, and meandering stretches. Vjosa River is one of the most complex habitats for spawning fish and migratory birds.
Food
All meals as well as water and drinks during the meals, are included in the package. Most of the dishes are homemade while fruits, vegetables, and meat come from local gardens and farms. However, meals (lunch and dinner), drinks, and additional activities on day 7 are not included in the price.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
What's included
- 9 riding days
- 11 nights accommodation
- Breakfast
- Lunch (except for Day 1 and Day 7)
- Dinner (except for Day 7)
- English speaking guide, second guide (if more than 4 riders)
- Water and drinks during the meals
- Luggage transport by car from destination to destination
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Entrance tickets to monuments or parks
- Lunch on day 1
- Extra drinks
- Meals, drinks, and extra activities on day 8, which is a free day
- Other services or expenses during free time
- Personal expenses
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza
153 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 105 per person
Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias Int'l Airport)
58 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 58 per person
Arrival by airplane
Please arrange your flight to arrive at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA). Roundtrip transfers from Tirana are not included in the price but are available at an additional cost of 90 EUR per person (45 EUR each way. The journey will be three to four hours long (225 kilometers).
Caravan Horse Riding Albania organizes two transfers from the Tirana Airport every Saturday, the first one at 12:30 p.m. and the second at 14:30 p.m. Flights that fit Caravan Horse Riding Albania normal transfer’s schedule should be planned to arrive no later than 14.00 p.m. and departures not earlier than 13:00 p.m.
Riders that arrive in Tirana one day in advance can plan to arrive at the airport for the transfer at 12:30 p.m. or 14:30 p.m. Caravan Horse Riding Albania can’t organize transfers from Tirana. It is very easy and cheap to reach Tirana Airport by bus. There is a bus every hour starting from the center of Tirana (behind the opera palace).
Private transfer from or to Tirana:
- 1 person: 180 EUR (one way)
- 2 persons: 90 EUR each (one way for both)
A driver will be waiting for you in front of Sixt Rent a Car – Tirana Airport, holding a sign with the words “Caravan Horse Riding Albania” for easy identification.
Note: Riders can book a private transfer if it is impossible to book flights that fit Caravan Horse Riding Albania's normal transfers schedule.
The meeting point is also available at Saranda Port. From Corfu International Airport (CFU), you may take a boat to Saranda Port. Transfers are not included in the package. The cost from Saranda Port to Gjirokastra is 50 EUR (return) per person, the distance is 64 kilometers or one hour.
Caravan Horse Riding Albania can organize transfers based on the ferries’ timetable for 2025. Normally one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.